Specialized Trauma Treatment
Trauma Therapy for Children, Teens, and Adults in Minnetonka
Trauma can leave lasting marks—not just on our memories, but on how we think, feel, and relate to others. Whether it was a single overwhelming experience or a series of distressing events, trauma can affect anyone, at any age. At Blossom Whole Family Therapy, we offer trauma-informed care to help children, teens, and adults process difficult experiences, reclaim a sense of safety, and build emotional resilience.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma isn’t defined by the event alone, but by how the nervous system responds. It can result from:
- A life-threatening incident or accident
- Ongoing abuse, neglect, or bullying
- The loss of a loved one
- Medical trauma or serious illness
- Exposure to violence or chaos
- Any experience that undermines your sense of safety, control, or self-worth
People who have experienced trauma may feel constantly on edge, shut down emotionally, avoid certain people or places, or be easily overwhelmed. Children and teens may act out, struggle with sleep, experience separation anxiety, or seem unusually fearful or withdrawn.
When to Seek Trauma Therapy
You or your child may benefit from trauma-focused therapy if you notice:
- Panic attacks, chronic anxiety, or emotional flooding
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares
- Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle responses
- Avoidance of reminders or situations
- Difficulty trusting others or forming healthy relationships
- Feeling detached, numb, or disconnected
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
Even if the trauma happened long ago, the nervous system may still be carrying the weight of it. Therapy can help the brain and body begin to release it.
How Trauma Can Affect Children and Teens
Trauma often shows up differently in children and teens than it does in adults. Younger kids may not have the language to express what they’re feeling, and teens may act like they don’t care—even when they’re deeply affected.
Common trauma responses in kids and teens include:
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Separation anxiety or school refusal
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Irritability or frequent meltdowns
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Regression (bedwetting, clinginess, etc.)
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Avoidance of reminders or certain topics
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Risk-taking, self-harm, or withdrawal in teens
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Trouble concentrating, remembering things, or staying regulated
A trauma-informed therapist can help your child feel safe, understood, and supported—while helping you understand what’s underneath the behavior.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach
All of our therapists approach treatment with a trauma-informed lens. That means we prioritize:
- Emotional and physical safety
- Choice and empowerment
- Building trust and connection
- Respecting each person’s pace and readiness
Our therapy is grounded in compassion and science. We meet each client where they are—offering tools to help regulate the nervous system and gently process trauma in ways that are developmentally appropriate and client-centered.
Evidence-Based Therapies We Use
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a form of trauma treatment that uses eye movements to help the brain reprocess distressing images and memories. ART doesn’t erase memories, but it can change the way they are stored—so they no longer trigger intense emotional or physical reactions.
ART is an evidence-based therapy known for its speed and effectiveness. Many clients report significant relief in just 1–5 sessions.
Kelsey Dressel, MSW, LICSW uses ART to support children, teens, and adults in processing trauma, releasing fear, and reclaiming a sense of calm and control.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a therapy method that uses eye movement or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help people process distressing memories. It is especially helpful for trauma, phobias, chronic anxiety, and grief.
EMDR helps reduce the emotional charge of painful memories so they can be remembered without being re-lived. It also supports the development of new, healthier ways of thinking about past events.
Drs. Jessica Cohen and Gretchen Lewis-Snyder use EMDR to help clients of all ages process difficult experiences and build resilience.
Related Services at Blossom
- Therapy for Children
- Teen Therapy for Stress, Identity & Burnout
- Parent & Family Therapy – Our 360° Approach
- Postpartum Mental Health Support
Ready to Begin Healing?
If trauma is interfering with your daily life, relationships, or peace of mind—you don’t have to carry it alone. We offer trauma therapy in Minnetonka and across the West Metro for children, teens, and adults.
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